Lifestyle/Beauty: Brand of the Month - Jouer

BRAND OF THE MONTH

 JOUER

https://www.jouercosmetics.com/

L-R: Lip Enhancer in Clear, Lip Toppers in Rose Gold, Skinny Dip and Frostbite, Rose Gold Highlighter 

I heard about Jouer a few years ago online but never looked into any of their products. It wasn't until I started watching a few American beauty bloggers/makeup artists that I started to learn about the products they offer. Amrezy, was one of the first makeup artists/influencers who wore Jouer's best selling product the 'Lip Topper'. I was drawn in and wanted to try it out. So I think I remember purchasing the Skinny Dip Lip Topper along with the Lip Enhancer which is a lip balm treatment.

Since using those products I decided to invest in some of the Rose Gold Collection. I bought as shown below the highlighter and lip topper. At first I wasn't keen on the formula of the highlighter as it looked too chunky but I have literally been hooked after playing around and finding a way of applying it so it looks super natural on my skin. I have been using it since the Summer and still use it everyday, the pan is still going strong and I will definitely repurchase after I have used it up.

The Lip Toppers are AMAZING! I don't know what else to say other than they look so beautiful on top of any lipstick. They plump your lips and add extra dimension.

Lastly, I'll chat about the Lip Enhancer in Clear. I actually added this as an 'add-on' to get free shipping LOL! But I am so glad I did as I have since repurchased this three times. It is an amazingly light formula which sinks into the lips and moisturises them thoroughly. It claims to plump and the results are true. I notice smoothing of my lips and a natural fullness to them too. I hope the foreer continue to make this product as it is BOMB! 

Overall, I really like Jouer. They also stock foundations, eyeshadows, blushes amongst many other products. I am really keen on trying out their blushes and eyeshadows and seeing how they live up to their other products.

What do you think of Jouer?

Which are your favourite products?

Love Sara X

Beauty: As Seen On...Beauty Bloggers/Influencers

I am sure you are all aware of the rising number of beauty influencers/bloggers on social media these days. So I thought about which of them have influenced me to purchase products to based on their reviews. I have chosen products that I use quite often in my makeup application and given a brief overview which I hope you find useful.


Beauty Products as seen on....

1. RMCA Powder (as seen on Kathleen Lights). I remember this was in one of her 'Favourites' videos and as I had finished my Laura Mercier, I wanted to try a cheaper alternative. I really like how finely milled this powder is and how it blends nicely into the skin. I use this under my eyes and to set my makeup whenever I remember!

2. Carli Bybel Palette (as seen on Carli Bybel). I enjoy watching beauty bloggers who are passionate about what they do and Carli is one of them. She came out with her own palette in collaboration with BH Cosmetics and I have to say it does not fail at all. She has picked a great combination of colours perfect for day and evening too. I am currently wearing the browns and bronzes, as I created a smokey look.  Also, the highlighters in the palette are BEAUTIFUL! She has recently released a 'Deluxe' palette with more eyeshadows I believe and a few new colours.

3. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Give Me Sun ( as seen on Holly Boon). I really think Holly Boon is a very talented makeup artist who loves to experiment with a range of products and who also loves tanning and highlighting! She had been using 'Give Me Sun' in a load of videos and I remember thinking how it gave her natural warmth to her skin. I use to use Laura Mercier's Baked Radiance Bronzers which I still love but wanted a touch more colour. So I eventually purchase this and haven't looked back. I use it to warm my skin up more and today I used it a touch more in replace of my usual blush and love the finished look.

4. MAC Satin Lipstick in Myth (as seen on Chrisspy). I LOVE a nude lip and my go-to has been Maybelline's Nude Delight for some time. But when I started to watch Chrisspy I wondered if I could pull it off too. It is amazing especially when combined with MAC's Oak Lipliner and Jouer's Skinny Dip Lip Topper or Cargo's Sahara Lipgloss. I'm actually almost due for a repurchase but have to agree with Chrisppy that it goes with any look!

5. MAC Amplified Lipstick in Blankety ( as seen on Anna Saccone). I loved this colour on Anna and have to admit at first I wasn't sure if it would suit me. But I caved in and bought it at Duty Free last year. I have worn this with lots of simple and natural make up looks and really love the colour, which is a muted dusky pink.

6. Jouer Lip Topper in Skinny Dip (as seen on Amrezy).  It is a lip gloss that is designed to be worn on top of lips for a shimmering effect. I love this lip topper and have used it lots on a variety of lip products. It adds more dimension to a lip colour and it isn't full on glitter. I find it quite subtle. I also have it in the shades: Frostbite and Rose Gold.

Which beauty influencers/bloggers have influenced you to purchase any products?

Do you rate them?

Love, Sara X

Beauty: Misan Hair Salon Review

Winter is almost upon us and that usually means a change of hair colour for me. Now I have forever dyed my hair using 'box dyes' as its straightforward and easy. I've only ever had my hair professionally dyes once and that was here in Muscat and I ended up dyeing it again after 4 weeks. So I was eyeing up a violet/plum box dye when I was decided to look at the Muscat Beauty and Spa Forum on Facebook for some salon recommendations.

The Background: So I went for two hair consultations, one at Vibes and the other at Gorgeous Hair and whilst both stylists were helpful I didn't get a good enough feeling. Then I came across Misan and decided to message the salon. She was very prompt and got back to me with a useful, kind and friendly response. I took the plunge and decided to book an appointment which was initially for a colour. Later on, I decided it would be better if I opted for a cut too as it just made more sense!

The Review: Maria, who is a hairdresser/stylist from Sweden was warm and welcoming. Her salon is housed on the ground floor of a villa and is very clean, modern and welcoming. She was lovely and we clicked straight away and were chatting about everything and anything! Maria offered me Swedish coffee, a glass of water and a date. On the side table were a selection of magazines that I had a nosey at. I like how she opted for simple set up in her salon as the focus should be on the client not so much the decor.

Initially she assessed my hair and asked my what I wanted to change. She was very nice with how she advised me about how she will carry it out and also explained the process of dyeing my hair. Now, not many hairdressers do that these days!

After she got to work on bleaching sections of my hair, then I waited for a while. Next she washed it out and applied the colour. Again, I had to wait a while for the dye to lock into my hair. Then she washed it out and began to cut my hair. I felt very relaxed and was confident she would dye and cut my hair as best she could.

The Rating: 10/10! Even though the whole appointment took 4 hours which was super long after a day's work,  it was actually quite relaxing. I was pleased with the cut. She layered it and made it feel lighter and also cut in a side fringe. The colour looked refreshing but I saw it  properly the next day when the sun was out. It was what I asked for and my hair felt amazing afterwards.

L: Before, R: After

My hair was dyed a deep plum with burgundy highlights
and cut with long layers and a side fringe.

I would definitely recommend Maria to colour and cut your hair. She also does a wash and blow dry too if you're feeling lazy to style your hair!

You can find Maria on instagram, facebook and on her website. Please see the contact details below:

Instagram: misanhairsalonmuscat
Website: www.misanhair.com
Facebook: Misan Hairsalon Muscat


Love Sara x

Beauty: Long Lasting Makeup for Teachers in the Middle East

As mentioned previously, I'm a teacher. A teacher who LOVES make up I might add. So I thought it may be useful to blog about the make up products I use on a daily basis when I am at work. I literally do not have any time to reapply my make up throughout the day, let alone any breaks! Since I have lived in Oman, I have switched up some of my make up products to make sure whilst my skin is comfortable, it also lasts throughout the day.

So what do I use?

I will list the products below in order of how I apply them and what they are used for.

#1. Skindinavia Primer Spray - After I have applied my skincare, I will lightly spritz my skin with this to prepare my skin for my make up application.

#2. MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter in Peach Lustre - I use this to colour correct underneath my eyes and any other dark areas of hyperpigmentation on my skin.

#3. MAC ProLongwear Concealer in NC35 - I lightly dab concealer on top of the colour correct areas.

#4. Garnier BB Cream OR Bobbi Brown BB Cream in Medium - I then apply a small peas sized amount all over my face and neck. Then I go back with the MAC concealer to make sure my base is flawless.

#5. MAC Master Concealer in 8.5 - I use a Morphe  brush and mark my cheek contour.

#6. Benefit Watts Up Cream Highlighter - I swipe this on my cheek bones and bridge of my nose and blend into my skin.

#7. Max Factor Soft Touch Cream Blush in Soft Copper - I LOVE cream blush for a more natural and glowy appearance. I use the small e.l.f. stippling brush and tap this onto my cheeks and blend in with my contour.

#8. Jouer Rose Gold Powder Highlighter - I use the Zoeva #134 brush to apply this on top of t he cream highlight. It's such a natural highlight, I love it!

#9. IsaDora Liquid Eyeliner in Black/Brown - I apply this to the top of my eyes.

#10. Eyeliner pencil  - I haven't listed a brand as I use loads and it depends on what colour I am feeling that day! But I apply this on my lower lash line.

#11. L'O'real Feline Mascara - this is a dupe for the Benefit Rollerlash mascara. It lifts and curls your lashes so well. I apply a few coats to the top and bottom of my lashes.

#12. NYX Mahogany Lipliner  - Again it depends on what colour I am feeling that day but more recently I have been wearing this combination.

#13. Rimmel Only Matte Lipstick in 700 ( Trendsetter) - I am not a fan of this alone and this works well with Mahogany and Mauve Squad to give a muted nude-mauve lip colour that goes with pretty much every look.

#14. Smashbox Mauve Squad Liquid Lipstick - I layer this over the lipstick and it is GORGEOUS!

#15. Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray - I spritz this over my makeup a few times to ensure it is set and lasts all day. I can vouch that it does last all day. However if I wear MAC Kohl, that eyeliner does tend to smudge. So I usually opt for Sephora, L.A Girl or Urban Decay eyeliners.

Sometimes I may apply RCMA powder to define my contour more but if I am honest it is quite rare on a school day! I do pack a mini Skindinavia Finishing spray with me but I never use it...I don't need to, but also I don't have time. I also pack my lipsticks but again very, very rarely top it up unless I am heading out after school.

I have to say that the Skindinavia sprays are a life saver here in Oman, they work so well! I am constantly repurchasing them as they make a huge difference to the longevity of my makeup. Also, I don't use foundation or anything that is thick on my face as my skin does not agree with it and also it is not good for this climate. I prefer to apply a face of natural looking makeup.

I hope you found this useful. Which products do you use to keep you makeup long lasting on your face?

Love Sara x